Police Chaplains Resign Over Lesbian Appointment

[Miss Scarlett]

This has been in the news over the last week here in Charlotte.

It saddens and frustrates me. In the last 6 weeks we had a couple major steps forward here in the Queen City: after years of being turned down there was at last a letter from the Mayor to the LGBT community welcoming everyone to Pride; there was a meeting between the LGBT community and the Chief of Police; and Wells Fargo lit up the Duke Energy building (they own it) with the rainbow for National Coming Out Day.

And then we have this...

Six volunteer CMPD police chaplains resign their posts
No official reason cited, but chaplain says they left after CMPD added a gay clergy member.
By Franco Ordoñez
The Charlotte Observer
November 6, 2010

Six Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department chaplains have resigned from their volunteer positions since August, police say.

Officials didn't give a reason for the departures, but one chaplain said the sudden resignations are a result of the department admitting a new chaplain who is gay.

The chaplain said those who departed felt they had no choice but to leave because of their churches' teachings about homosexuality.

"It's very difficult," said the chaplain, who spoke to the Observer on the condition of anonymity. "All the chaplains have really developed relationships with the police officers on the beat. Relationships that have been built over the years have stopped."

In a letter to all the chaplains, CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe expressed disappointment that some members decided to leave the program.

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs," he said.

"But I do hope that those of us who remain ... continue to embrace our goal of being an inclusive organization that respects the differences of all of our employees."

Police officials said no chaplain was asked to resign. Eight members remain.

The female chaplain, whose name is not being released, was asked to come on board in August, said Maj. John Diggs, who leads the department's Community Service Bureau. Diggs said the six chaplains submitted their resignations soon after.

A local blog listed the names of several chaplains who allegedly resigned. Calls to their offices, churches or homes were not returned.

Diggs said the police department's chaplain program is about 15 years old. It is designed to give emotional and spiritual support to any of CMPD's 2,200 employees who seek it. Chaplains have been called upon to help officers and sometimes their families deal with difficult emotions after dramatic cases, such as the 2007 slayings of officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark

Other agencies are confronting similar issues. In September, dozens of retired military chaplains appealed to President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to keep the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays in the military.

The group of retired chaplains argued in a letter that allowing gays to serve openly in the military would discriminate against some Christian chaplains.

"Many (if not most) chaplains will confront a profoundly difficult moral choice: whether they are to obey God or to obey men," they wrote in the Sept. 16 letter.

The Rev. Nancy Allison, pastor of Holy Covenant United Church of Christ in University City, said two members of her congregation are gay police officers. She applauded the department's leadership for practicing "true equality."

"If the woman is a qualified clergy member and a gifted chaplain then she will minister well to both straight and gay officers," Allison said. "At least 10 percent of our population is gay and lesbian and every aspect of our work life needs to reflect that reality - every aspect of our worship life."

The CMPD chaplain program is nondenominational. The remaining chaplains include men and women, three of whom are African American. CMPD seeks volunteers with a diversity of backgrounds.

Diggs described the new chaplain as exceptionally qualified. He said she was never asked about her sexual orientation.

"It doesn't matter to us," Diggs said. "She's an impressive lady."

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/06/1815691/six-volunteer-cmpd-chaplains-resign.html

From our local LGBT paper, Q-Notes, and my friend, Matt Comer:

http://goqnotes.com/9114/cmpd-chaplains-resign-over-lesbian-appointment/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+qnotes+%28QNotes%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

http://goqnotes.com/9132/commentary-cmpd-leading-the-way-for-city-progress-and-inclusion/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+qnotes+%28QNotes%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

[Soon]

CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe: "I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs," he said.

Wrong response.



This has been in the news over the last week here in Charlotte.

It saddens and frustrates me. In the last 6 weeks we had a couple major steps forward here in the Queen City: after years of being turned down there was at last a letter from the Mayor to the LGBT community welcoming everyone to Pride; there was a meeting between the LGBT community and the Chief of Police; and Wells Fargo lit up the Duke Energy building (they own it) with the rainbow for National Coming Out Day.

And then we have this...

Six volunteer CMPD police chaplains resign their posts
No official reason cited, but chaplain says they left after CMPD added a gay clergy member.
By Franco Ordoñez
The Charlotte Observer
November 6, 2010

Six Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department chaplains have resigned from their volunteer positions since August, police say.

Officials didn't give a reason for the departures, but one chaplain said the sudden resignations are a result of the department admitting a new chaplain who is gay.

The chaplain said those who departed felt they had no choice but to leave because of their churches' teachings about homosexuality.

"It's very difficult," said the chaplain, who spoke to the Observer on the condition of anonymity. "All the chaplains have really developed relationships with the police officers on the beat. Relationships that have been built over the years have stopped."

In a letter to all the chaplains, CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe expressed disappointment that some members decided to leave the program.

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs," he said.

"But I do hope that those of us who remain ... continue to embrace our goal of being an inclusive organization that respects the differences of all of our employees."

Police officials said no chaplain was asked to resign. Eight members remain.

The female chaplain, whose name is not being released, was asked to come on board in August, said Maj. John Diggs, who leads the department's Community Service Bureau. Diggs said the six chaplains submitted their resignations soon after.

A local blog listed the names of several chaplains who allegedly resigned. Calls to their offices, churches or homes were not returned.

Diggs said the police department's chaplain program is about 15 years old. It is designed to give emotional and spiritual support to any of CMPD's 2,200 employees who seek it. Chaplains have been called upon to help officers and sometimes their families deal with difficult emotions after dramatic cases, such as the 2007 slayings of officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark

Other agencies are confronting similar issues. In September, dozens of retired military chaplains appealed to President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to keep the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays in the military.

The group of retired chaplains argued in a letter that allowing gays to serve openly in the military would discriminate against some Christian chaplains.

"Many (if not most) chaplains will confront a profoundly difficult moral choice: whether they are to obey God or to obey men," they wrote in the Sept. 16 letter.

The Rev. Nancy Allison, pastor of Holy Covenant United Church of Christ in University City, said two members of her congregation are gay police officers. She applauded the department's leadership for practicing "true equality."

"If the woman is a qualified clergy member and a gifted chaplain then she will minister well to both straight and gay officers," Allison said. "At least 10 percent of our population is gay and lesbian and every aspect of our work life needs to reflect that reality - every aspect of our worship life."

The CMPD chaplain program is nondenominational. The remaining chaplains include men and women, three of whom are African American. CMPD seeks volunteers with a diversity of backgrounds.

Diggs described the new chaplain as exceptionally qualified. He said she was never asked about her sexual orientation.

"It doesn't matter to us," Diggs said. "She's an impressive lady."

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/06/1815691/six-volunteer-cmpd-chaplains-resign.html

From our local LGBT paper, Q-Notes, and my friend, Matt Comer:

http://goqnotes.com/9114/cmpd-chaplains-resign-over-lesbian-appointment/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+qnotes+%28QNotes%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

http://goqnotes.com/9132/commentary-cmpd-leading-the-way-for-city-progress-and-inclusion/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+qnotes+%28QNotes%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

[adorable]

I agree - WRONG response. Ugh. Sickening. But I am glad they left. Did they only provide emotional support to straight people? It's better if they're not out on the street "helping" people especially during times of grief and turmoil. It's unbelievable to me that people with these attitudes even go into positions in human services.

[DomnNC]

I agree that perhaps that was the wrong response, however, you have to give kudos to the man for hiring her and sticking by her, not asking her to resign to placate the masses. Rodney Monroe has been in his share of controversy since his appointment but let's not overlook that he did do a progressive and good thing in hiring her in the first place and then standing by his appointment. Prior to his arrival, all LGBT matters within the department were swept under the rug and kept hush hush, at least he's having the balls to come out within the force so to speak.

[Lynn]

I think it's progressive that they had such a strong, well-developed spiritual support program. Hiring the new chaplain, sticking by her, and saying a polite goodbye to the six who resigned is also professional. They were all volunteers and couldn't be compelled to stay--just thanked for what they had done. Now it clears out the department to bring on new clergy who are more forward-thinking. It's a great story, and I'm not disappointed with the response.

[Nat]

There is a book and also a podcast series called "Coming Out from Behind the Badge (http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-out-from-behind-the/id273899157)" which talks a lot about experiences of gay and lesbian police officers and the cultures within different police departments. I haven't read the book, but I've listened to some of the podcasts, and I recommend it for anybody who's interested.

It's really frustrating to me that people think gay-hating is a "belief" which should be "respected."

[Lynn]

It's really frustrating to me that people think gay-hating is a "belief" which should be "respected."

I don't disagree with you. Maybe the chief doesn't think that, either. Just knowing the culture of the community, and keeping in mind his goal, he may have felt that this was the best way to handle to situation to keep it non-contentious. He's making what are, sadly, some really remarkable changes. I'm just guessing, though.

[Kobi]

It's really frustrating to me that people think gay-hating is a "belief" which should be "respected."

Seems to me, this situation and the words used might be a matter of perspective.

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs."

One the one hand, one could see this as a gay hating response.

One the other hand, one could see it as a respectful way of acknowledging people have different beliefs and there is respect for all beliefs whether one agrees with them or not. And there is also respect for making decisions which makes one true to oneself without disrupting the progress of inclusion.

Actions always speak louder than words to me. Clergy resigning due to their beliefs tells me they are not only being true to themselves but are also choosing to remove themselves from the situation rather than fight.

Not fighting tells me there is a fundamental acceptance for differences within the chaplaincy program which could not be overcome.

This, in turn, tells me there is, within the police department and the chaplaincy program, an understanding, tolenarce, acceptance, respect and willingness towards inclusion.

Overall, I see it as a wise and diplomatic choice of words to indicate beliefs are respected but will not stop tolerance from being part of this institution.

[JustJo]

I agree - WRONG response. Ugh. Sickening. But I am glad they left. Did they only provide emotional support to straight people? It's better if they're not out on the street "helping" people especially during times of grief and turmoil. It's unbelievable to me that people with these attitudes even go into positions in human services.

Yep...my feelings exactly. Let them quit, and I'll wave as they go. :byebye:
Now they can just be homophobic private citizens....which is at least better than homophobic chaplains potentially spreading their crap from a position of "authority."

[Soon]

I'm not saying that what the Chief did in hiring or sticking by her was NOT a good thing. What I do take issue is the statement that I quoted.

Would that statement be acceptable if they had resigned due to ANY OTHER person from a minority group (or a even a straight woman) being hired?


What other group of people--besides a member from the LGBTQ community--would it be acceptable, today, for a Chief of Police to say, "I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs" ?

Again, I am not positing that the retention of a lesbian pastor isn't progressive or should not be given credit.

I just don't think that statement would be acceptable if it was directed to any other group (who is non-White Christian male) besides someone who is queer.

[waxnrope]

Seems to me, this situation and the words used might be a matter of perspective.

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs."

One the one hand, one could see this as a gay hating response.

One the other hand, one could see it as a respectful way of acknowledging people have different beliefs and there is respect for all beliefs whether one agrees with them or not. And there is also respect for making decisions which makes one true to oneself without disrupting the progress of inclusion.

Actions always speak louder than words to me. Clergy resigning due to their beliefs tells me they are not only being true to themselves but are also choosing to remove themselves from the situation rather than fight.

Not fighting tells me there is a fundamental acceptance for differences within the chaplaincy program which could not be overcome.

This, in turn, tells me there is, within the police department and the chaplaincy program, an understanding, tolenarce, acceptance, respect and willingness towards inclusion.

Overall, I see it as a wise and diplomatic choice of words to indicate beliefs are respected but will not stop tolerance from being part of this institution.

Well analyzed. Well said. Thanks, Kobi

[DomnNC]

I don't see that big of an issue with the statement:

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs"

Why? Because I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs. Why? Because I will NOT compromise my beliefs for anyone, not one single person, so it would be hypocritical of me to do the same or tell someone to do that very thing. A persons religious beliefs are just that, theirs, just as yours are yours and mine are mine. No one should challenge a persons religious beliefs lest you want to put your own under the microscope. Religion is a personal issue and a personal choice as I see it.

As far as the first part: "He respects their decisions and convictions". Why shouldn't he respect their difference in opinion. After all we are asking people to respect our decisions for ourselves, our own convictions as individuals and as a group.

I don't know, I'm not reading anything inflammatory into that other than what he meant which was in no way derogatory towards anyone. He was just stating his mind and respecting their decision to resign.

[EnderD_503]

I think what HowSoonIsNow pointed out is the primary issue. What other minority/marginalised group other than the LGBT community would warrant the same tolerant response? For example, if a black woman or muslim man were in the place of this lesbian woman, would the chaplain have been as respectful of their religious beliefs/the reason for their resignation? Far more likely that the issue of racism would have been brought up, rather than the claim that he would not ask them to compromise their beliefs. It was not so long ago (and is still this way for some religious people) that working with muslims, jews, blacks, south americans etc, was asking someone to "compromise" their beliefs. Why should the LGBT community be treated differently? Again, I think there is a hierarchy of minorities/marginalised groups going on.

I don't see that big of an issue with the statement:

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs"

Why? Because I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs. Why? Because I will NOT compromise my beliefs for anyone, not one single person, so it would be hypocritical of me to do the same or tell someone to do that very thing. A persons religious beliefs are just that, theirs, just as yours are yours and mine are mine. No one should challenge a persons religious beliefs lest you want to put your own under the microscope. Religion is a personal issue and a personal choice as I see it.

As far as the first part: "He respects their decisions and convictions". Why shouldn't he respect their difference in opinion. After all we are asking people to respect our decisions for ourselves, our own convictions as individuals and as a group.

I don't know, I'm not reading anything inflammatory into that other than what he meant which was in no way derogatory towards anyone. He was just stating his mind and respecting their decision to resign.

[Nat]

When "belief" means having a problem with the existence of a person because of their gender ID or sexual orientation, I don't think that should be respected. I might "agree to disagree" but I wouldn't issue a statement that I respected those beliefs. It's bigotry under the guise of religion. It's not a belief that should be respected- in my opinion.

[DomnNC]

In a letter to all the chaplains, CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe expressed disappointment that some members decided to leave the program.

"I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs," he said.

"But I do hope that those of us who remain ... continue to embrace our goal of being an inclusive organization that respects the differences of all of our employees."


He also said he expressed disappointment in their decisions in a letter to all chaplains and also he said right after the statement that some have issue with that he hoped that those remaining continue to embrace their goal of inclusiveness. Kudos to him. I don't understand why one sentence is taken out of a complete article and out of context and made to be the focal point when he also made two very positive statements as well. He has been the FIRST police chief that Charlotte has had that is demanding that the GLBT community be treated with respect, tolerance and has made it a point to be vocal about it.

I guess unless you live in Charlotte or the surrounding community and don't know the man and the regional politics it's easy to take someone who is making an effort and hang him out to dry because it doesn't measure up to some personal standard.

I would be HAPPY to be the first one to shake his hand on a job well done in bridging the GLBT police officers with the rest of the force, be they white, black, purple, orange, a different religion, culture or what have you. The man is making a difference in the GLBT community and I for one will not hang him out to dry over one comment taken completely out of context.

Btw, I lived in Charlotte for 32 years and have seen how the GLBT community has been treated and are being treated. I just recently moved down the road about 22 miles since my wife died but keep up with the local politics in Charlotte still as they still impact our community as a whole.